Podgorica, (MINA) - Montenegro will continue to increase its defense budget, in accordance with the existing and new NATO criteria, which will be adopted at the Summit in The Hague, Minister of Defense Dragan Krapovic said.

He said that Montenegro celebrates the eighth anniversary of formally becaming the 29th NATO member.

Krapovic argues that by joining NATO, Montenegro achieved one of its most important foreign policy goals.

“The defense sector has been improved, and by meeting NATO criteria, the abilities and capacities of our Armed Forces have been strengthened”, Krapovic said.

He added that Montenegrin troops have an opportunity to practice their skills, acquire new ones and improve existing knowledge in multinational environment, together with colleagues from other allied forces.

“We will work on harmonizing national strategic framework with NATO concepts and plans related to strengthening the Alliance’s deterrence and defense position”, said Krapovic.

He assessed that with the participation of Montenegrin troops in NATO missions and operations, Montenegro will continue to contribute to global peace and security outside NATO borders.

Krapovic said that the army continue to be modernized and its capacities strengthened.

“The ongoing global events further confirm that security is a value that has no price. That’s why Montenegro will continue to increase its defense budget, in accordance with the existing and new NATO criteria, which the leaders will adopt during the Summit in The Hague”, said Krapovic, adding that more than a third of the defense budget will be earmarked for the modernization of the Armed Forces.